#HEADIES: DAVIDO, BURNA BOY, CHIKE & MOHBAD LEAD WINNERS AS AFRICA’S FINEST SHINE BRIGHT

April 29, 2025 NeeceeBossLady 0 Comments

The 17th edition of the Headies Awards, Nigeria’s biggest music award show, lit up Lagos in grand style on Sunday night, gathering Africa’s biggest stars under one roof to celebrate musical excellence.

The highly anticipated event, which ran into the early hours of Monday morning (wrapping up around 3 a.m.), featured show-stopping performances from rising stars like Qing Madi and Shallipopi, and electrifying wins across different categories.

Gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo stole hearts as she clinched the Best Inspirational Single award for her hit track “You Do This One.” In an emotional moment, Chinwo thanked God, her team, family, and fans, while also applauding the Headies for spotlighting the power of gospel music to inspire lives.

Burna Boy once again showed why he’s a global force, winning Best Performer (Live) over a highly competitive field that included Rema, Omah Lay, Flavour, Wizard Chan, and Femi Kuti & The Positive Force.

The night wasn’t short on emotions, as the touching collaboration “Egwu” by Chike and the late Mohbad won Viewers’ Choice, a poignant moment that had the crowd on its feet, remembering the magic and legacy Mohbad left behind.

In the film and soundtrack category, “A Tribe Called Judah” soundtrack by TCJ and Abbey Wonder snagged Soundtrack of the Year, beating out big productions like Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre and Water and Garri.

The Headies also expanded the spotlight across Africa, celebrating regional artists with continental awards:

Best Southern African Artiste: TitoM (South Africa)

Best North African Artiste: Soolking (Algeria)

Best East African Artiste: Juma Jux (Tanzania)

Best West African Artiste: Himra (Ivory Coast)

Best Central African Artiste: Innoss’B (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Elsewhere, Davido was named Digital Artiste of the Year, affirming his massive influence across online platforms. Tems took home Best Recording of the Year for her soul-stirring sound, and LoJay snagged Best Vocal Performance (Male), cementing his spot among Nigeria’s vocal elites.

Beyond the music, the Headies honored figures making significant impacts offstage:

Special Recognition Awards were given to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, Amaju Pinnick, and music veteran Kcee.

Humanitarian Awards were awarded to Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy) for their outstanding contributions to society.

Despite some categories being left unannounced due to the lengthy ceremony, the 17th Headies stood as a bold reminder of Africa’s unstoppable creativity and spirit.

Complete List of 17th Headies Award Winners (Announced)

Best Performer (LIVE)

Winner: Burna Boy

Nominees: Rema, Omah Lay, Flavour, Wizard Chan, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force

Viewers’ Choice

Winner: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad

Other Nominees: “Big Baller” – Flavour, “Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez), “Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido), “Showa” – Kizz Daniel, “Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez, “OZEBA” – Rema, “Love Me Jeje” – Tems, “Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck), “Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

Soundtrack of the Year

Winner: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder

Other Nominees: “Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), “Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life), “Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro), “Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa), “Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)

Best Inspirational Single

Winner: “You Do This One” – Mercy Chinwo

Other Nominees: “Gratitude” – Anendlessocean, “Worthy of My Praise” – Dunsin Oyekan ft. Lawrence Oyor, “Good God” – Limoblaze ft. Naomi Raine, “Particularly” – 2Gaise Baba ft. Tope Alabi